Stop Complaining!

Hello blessed child of God, I hope you’re ready to start an awesome week in The Lord Jesus Christ.
Today we’re going to talk about a sensitive topic: complaining.
Let’s start by defining what this word means.
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, to complain is to express dissatisfaction or annoyance about something.
Let’s start by laying the foundation, with the following Bible verses.
Philippians 2:14‭-‬15 NLT

Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.

Colossians 3:23 NLT

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.

Considering the fact that according to Colossians 3:23, everything you do, you should do it having in mind that you’re doing it not for people but for The Lord, I’ve got to let you know that this blog post is directed to someone right now who is serving God and who is overloaded with several difficulties which make you frustrated, irritated, kind of angry and which eventually make you complain not only in your heart but also with your mouth.
Here are a few questions for you:

• Has God put a vision or a project in your heart?
• Are you trying to serve Him faithfully?
• Are there obstacles and difficulties on your way?
• How do you react to those obstacles and difficulties?

Let’s take an imaginary character okay ? Let’s call her Lisa.
Lisa is an author. She writes Christian books for kids and adults to get to know more about Jesus Christ. She loves what she does, she’s doing it for The Lord.
God puts a vision in Lisa’s heart and gives her a wonderful opportunity to bless her local church with her gift of writing. She comes up with this project for her church and she volunteers. She has a vision from God and she’s ready to do her best.
However,, with time she clearly sees all the difficulties which are right ahead of her. This initiative creates a big stretch in her everyday life.

• The project requires a lot of her time and energy
• The project requires her to learns new skills to add to the skills she already has in order to make it more professional
• She’s never done something so huge for her church, thus it’s stepping her out of her comfort zone

Now, the big thing is, whatever you decide to do, there will be obstacles and difficulties. Nothing good comes easy.
At times we expect this:

• “Because I’m doing this for God it has to be easy”,
• “Because I’m raising these children for God it has to be easy”,
• “Because I’m faithful to my spouse in order to honour God it has to be easy”,
• “Because I chose to walk in purity with God’s Help to honour His Name it has to be easy”
• “Because I chose not to cheat in exams and to instead study it has to be easy”

Unfortunately for us, we get quite disillusioned when we’re doing the right thing for God, but it’s not as easy as what we expected it to be.
In such moments, guess what we are tempted to do? – Complaining
It usually starts with some frustration, which leads to a few thoughts. Can you relate with these thoughts?

• “Who sent me here?”
• “Why did I start this in the first place?”
• “Why did I even get married?”
• “It looks like I didn’t really evaluate how hard it was going to be before I started this thing”
• “I’m starting to regret this”
• “Why is it so hard?”
• “Why is this so complicated?”
• “This is way too much I can’t handle it anymore.”
• “I think I should quit”
• ” What made me think that I would be a good parent?”
• “I should have known that I wasn’t able to handle this much at the same time”

Did you relate to any of these?
Difficulties will always come, but the approach that we’ll have when these difficulties will come will affect the mindset with which we will be doing the task.
Now, let’s get back to Lisa’s story. When God gave her a vision, she was sure that it was going to be instantaneous.
She’s working hard, she’s giving in her all, and she’s praying for thousands of people to be reached for Christ through her project. She puts the project into action, and for the first two weeks she works hard to make it sustainable, and at the same time she tracks everything which is going on in order to see how many people have been impacted by what she did.

1. Week one : 10 people
2. Week two : 5 people

I bet you she could get crazy just because of this.
Here are a few thoughts which would Cross my mind if I were Lisa:

• “How come I’m killing myself at work for these people and NO BODY even notices”
• “I could as well close it and end it all because NO ONE is being impacted at all”
• “What did I think? “
• “I’m doing all this for FREE and I don’t even get to have a Thank you card. No body even wrote to me or met me to say thank you.”

You know, complaining starts with our thoughts, with what we nurture in our hearts, and eventually these things won’t just remain in our hearts, they’ll show. They’ll show in the things we speak, they’ll show in the way we behave towards people, they’ll even show in the mindset with which we work (bitterness, frustration, anger) and eventually they’ll show in the quality of work which we provide.

This is valid for everyone.
This holds for:

• The pastor who has the impression that his congregation couldn’t care less about his sermons
• The mother who feels like she’s taken for granted by her husband and her kids
• The classroom teacher who thinks his students absolutely don’t value what he does
• The civil servant who thinks that the state should treat him better considering all he does for the state
• The child who thinks his parent could be a little more appreciative of him being obedient by helping with chores at home
• The boyfriend who put in three months of salary in buying an engagement ring for his girlfriend who still didn’t find it expensive enough
• The grand parents who help their children with taking care of their grand kids but who feel taken for granted
• The church volunteer who puts in his all for the growth of the church but who is never acknowledged by the campus pastor

We all at a moment or another can have the impression that we are working so hard but that not only does NO ONE notice our efforts, but that what we’re doing bears NO fruits and that we could at the same time stop.
When you let complaining take control of your thoughts and your heart, you’re not able to see clearly anymore, and you compromise the standard of quality of your work.
Take a look for example at Lisa who says “No body notices and No one is impacted”. Complaining closes your eyes such that you don’t even see the ones who really benefited of what you did. In two weeks of a new project, she had 15 people who were impacted. It’s a small beginning but it’s still a beginning and God’s Word says we should not despise small beginnings.
Zechariah 4:10a NLT

Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin..

Also, I have come to find out that the complaining I’m most guilty of is not complaining to people. In general if I suffer I prefer to suffer in silence, but the complaining I’m most guilty of, as I nourish all those negative thoughts and bitter feelings, is complaining about God. Because actually we’re not complaining about the issue so much, we are complaining about The One who gave us such a “difficult” task.
“God why did you ask me to do this, it is too difficult, I want to quit, God it’s too much”
Just like the people of Israel whom God took out of Egypt to bring them to the promised Land through the desert, just like they were complaining about Moses bringing them into the wilderness, they weren’t really complaining about Moses, Moses was just the scapegoat, they were complaining about God.
Numbers 20:2‭-‬5‭, ‬13 NLT

There was no water for the people to drink at that place, so they rebelled against Moses and Aaron. The people blamed Moses and said, “If only we had died in the Lord ’s presence with our brothers! Why have you brought the congregation of the Lord ’s people into this wilderness to die, along with all our livestock? Why did you make us leave Egypt and bring us here to this terrible place? This land has no grain, no figs, no grapes, no pomegranates, and no water to drink!” This place was known as the waters of Meribah (which means “arguing”) because there the people of Israel argued with the Lord , and there He demonstrated his holiness among them.

Exodus 16:8 NLT

Then Moses added, “The Lord will give you meat to eat in the evening and bread to satisfy you in the morning, for he has heard all your complaints against him. What have we done? Yes, your complaints are against the Lord , not against us.”

Could it be that the deeper meaning is you’re not complaining about your spouse, but about your God ?
– “God why did you let me choose him/her?”
That you’re not complaining about your kids but about your God who gave those kids to you?
– “God why did you choose me to raise this stubborn kids? Why didn’t you give me obedient kids?”
That you’re not complaining about your job but about your God who gave you the job?
– “God why didn’t you give me a job where I work less and I’m paid more?”
That you’re not complaining about your little congregation bit about God?
-“God why don’t You give me a bigger audience, why don’t You give me a bigger church like other mega church pastors?”
Are you curious when it comes to knowing what would be the perfect remedy for you every time the spirit of complaint tries to intoxicate your heart?

1. Redefine your WHY

Colossians 3:23 NLT

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.

Ask yourself, “why am I doing this in the first place?”, “what is my motive?” “what are my core values?”.
It’s very important. Not “what am I telling people I’m doing this for” but “what is my real reason for doing this?”
Is it just to get views on YouTube ? Or is it to advance The Kingdom of God.
If your “Why” is shallow (for example Youtube views or Instagram likes) you will always be frustrated when it’ll be little compared to what you wanted.
However, if the motive behind what you do is to please God, if you’ve made it clear in your heart that it’s not about you, and it’s all about Jesus Christ, then you’ll get less offended when people don’t notice because you know it wasn’t even for them to notice in the first place, it was for God to notice and if God has noticed, then I’m good, I’m okay.
Obedience is my job, the outcome is God’s job.

-Pastor Steven Furtick

• If God gave me a vision and said I should raise these kids,
• if God gave me a vision and said I should pastor this church,
• if God gave me a vision and said I should forgive those who hurt me,
• if God gave me a vision and said I should donate to this church , then I choose to obey,

I don’t come later to look at the outcome or to check if my name is written on the hall of fame of the best parent, or the best pastor, or the best friend ever or the most generous giver at church.
I just play my part and I let God play His.
Repeat this to yourself everyday if it’s necessary and every time you’re tempted to complain
” I am NOT doing this for people, I am doing this for GOD”
If necessary, you can adapt it.

• I’m not doing this for my husband I’m doing this for God
• I’m not doing this for myself I’m doing this for God
• I’m not doing this for my mother-in-law, I’m doing this for God
• I’m not doing this for my children I’m doing this for God
• I’m not doing this for my pastor, I’m doing this for God

2. In Everything Give Thanks

1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Have you already had a friend who’s always smiling praising God and thanking Him whatever happens?
When there’s a blackout they’re praising God, when they have a financial issue they’re giving thanks to God, when they’re going through a season of grief they’re still giving thanks to God.
Instead of looking at the glass half empty, they always find a way to look at it half-full.
It’s like they have the ability to always find what’s good in the situation and to give thanks to God for this.
I have good news for you today. If The Bible commands all of us to give thanks in everything, it means YOU TOO you have this ability in you through The Anointing of The Holy Spirit to give thanks in everything for this is The Will of God.
Did a technical problem arise while you were trying to finish the most recent Gospel song you’re writing?
–Thank God because you’re almost done with the song
Did your child vomit on your new dress because they fell ill?
– Praise God because you have a child
Was there a problem at your bank which cost you to lose 60 % of your savings?
– Thank God for having protected the 40% left
Are you persecuted by your classmates for being a Christian and for living according to God’s Word?
– Thank God for at least you’re being persecuted. Not everyone has the privilege to suffer this way for Christ
To every cloud there is a silver lining. Find the silver lining about it and praise God.

3. Realize It’s A Temporary Privilege To Suffer For Christ

Romans 8:18 KJV

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

James 1:2-4 NLT

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

Philippians 1:29‭-‬30 NLT

For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him. We are in this struggle together. You have seen my struggle in the past, and you know that I am still in the midst of it.

Acts of the Apostles 5:40‭-‬41 NLT

The others accepted his advice. They called in the apostles and had them flogged. Then they ordered them never again to speak in the name of Jesus, and they let them go. The apostles left the high council rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer disgrace for the Name of Jesus.

The difficulties you’re facing right now as you’re trying to serve God won’t last for ever. Soon it will end and you will be enjoying your reward.
As such, enjoy the present season, first because it’s a privilege and secondly because it won’t last for ever. You’ve got to enjoy it now.
Enjoy the moment as your babies are waking you up at night to breast feed, because a time will come when they won’t be babies anymore and this season would have passed once and for all.
Enjoy the moment as you and your spouse navigate marriage together by learning to put Christ at the center of your union, for your union with each other ends here on Earth, you won’t be married to each other in Heaven, we’ll all be married to God
Enjoy the moment as you are pastoring your church, because it’s just for some time. Some day, God will call you else where or He will call you back.
Instead of complaining of the difficulties we face while serving God here on Earth, let’s try to enjoy the moment because it’s a privilege which won’t last for ever.
In Heaven you won’t be persecuted, you won’t have a church to pastor, you won’t have a family to raise for God, you won’t have an eBook to write to edify the body of Christ, you get to do all these things NOW, and though times it may be difficult but it is a privilege which lasts only for a moment.
Enjoy it now, even if it means sowing with tears because you will reap with joy.
Psalm 126:4‭b-6 MSG

.. So those who planted their crops in despair will shout hurrahs at the harvest, So those who went off with heavy hearts will come home laughing, with armloads of blessing.

Conclusion

No matter which option you choose you will face difficulties in life, especially if you’ve chosen to serve God. Instead of getting bitter and unproductive by complaining about the difficulties you face and complaining about God for letting you face these difficulties, reevaluate your values, decide that you’re doing this for God and for no body else, find the silver lining to every cloud and give thanks to God for it and mostly, enjoy the moment for it is a privilege to suffer for Christ and it won’t last forever.

Prayer

Father Lord God Almighty King of Glory, I confess I have often complained about You and the tasks You gave me, through my thoughts, my words and my attitude. Father, please forgive me, change my heart and my perspective, that all I do may be for Your glory, not to be noticed. Help me through Your Holy Spirit to see the silver lining in every cloud so that I can praise You about it. Help me be grateful no matter how much the difficulties make me suffer as I am serving You. Thank so much for the privilege to suffer for The Name of Jesus, in Jesus Christ’s Name. Amen.

It’s Now Your Turn

Which part of this blog post did you relate with the most?
What are some practical ways through which you intend to apply what you learned against complaining?
Please let us know in the comments section

Invitation

Click here if you’re looking for a church. I recommend Elevation Church to you. A wonderful Christ-centered Church in which you aren’t limited by your location and in which you can see what God can do through you. We’re in a new series called Gamechanger, please don’t miss out on this.
God loves you so much
God bless you
Victoria Eyog